Title
The Lives of the Poets: Volume IV (Oxford English Texts),Used
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Johnson himself wrote in 1782: 'I know not that I have written any thing more generally commended than the Lives of the Poets.' Always recognized as a major biographical and critical achievement, Samuel Johnson's last literary project is also one of his most readable and entertaining, written with characteristic eloquence and conviction, and at times with combative trenchancy.Johnson's fiftytwo biographies constitute a detailed survey of English poetry from the early seventeenth century down to his own time, with extended discussions of Cowley, Milton, Waller, Dryden, Addison, Prior, Swift, Pope, and Gray. The Lives also include Johnson's memorable biography of the enigmatic Richard Savage (1744), the friend of his own early years in London.Roger Lonsdale's Introduction describes the origins, composition, and textual history of the Lives, and assesses Johnson's assumptions and aims as biographer and critic. The commentary provides a detailed literary and historical context, investigating Johnson's sources, relating the Lives to his own earlier writings and conversation, and to the critical opinions of his contemporaries, as well as illustrating their early reception. This is the first scholarly edition since George Birkbeck Hill's threevolume Oxford edition (1905).This is volume four of four.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Lives of the Poets: Volume IV'? A: This volume primarily focuses on the biographies and critical assessments of English poets from the early seventeenth century to Samuel Johnson's time.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Lives of the Poets: Volume IV' is Samuel Johnson, a prominent literary figure and biographer.
- Q: How many biographies are included in this volume? A: This volume includes a total of fifty-two biographies of significant poets.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is bound in hardcover, providing durability and a premium feel.
- Q: When was 'The Lives of the Poets: Volume IV' published? A: This edition was published on April 27, 2006.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study, as it includes detailed commentary and context relevant to English poetry.
- Q: What are the notable poets discussed in this volume? A: Notable poets discussed include Cowley, Milton, Waller, Dryden, Addison, Prior, Swift, Pope, and Gray.
- Q: Does this edition include any additional commentary? A: Yes, it includes an introduction by Roger Lonsdale, providing insights into the origins and historical context of the biographies.
- Q: How many pages does this book contain? A: The book contains a total of 666 pages, offering a comprehensive exploration of its subjects.
- Q: Is this book a new edition or a reprint? A: This is a new scholarly edition, the first since George Birkbeck Hill's Oxford edition published in 1905.